Category Archives: General Auto News

Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Engines – What’s the Difference?

Engine Diagram drawn on grid paper

Although automotive tech has changed significantly over the years, four-stroke and two-stroke remain the two main combustion engine designs. Although the pre-owned cars at the NJ State Auto dealership in Jersey City feature four-stroke engines, many people can’t differentiate between two-stroke and four-stroke engines.

In this guide, our car experts discuss two-stroke and four-stroke engines and how they work. After reading this, you’ll have a better idea of how engines work. Read the rest of this entry >>

Is it Better to Buy a Car in NJ or PA?

If you’re looking for a good price on a used car, you may be tempted to look out-of-state to find a broader selection of dealers or private sellers. But the sales price isn’t the only thing you need to keep in mind if you want to secure a great deal. If you buy a vehicle in another state, you’ll have to complete additional paperwork and possibly pay fees to have it registered in your home state. This is the case if you buy a vehicle in Pennsylvania and want to register it in New Jersey. Here are some things to consider. If you have any questions, call us today at (201) 200-1100.

Read the rest of this entry >>
TAX REFUND SALE

TAX REFUND SALE – USED CARS FOR SALE in Jersey City

TAX REFUND SALE – USED CARS FOR SALE

Used cars for sale

Tax refund time usually means people will get a nice chunk of change, and for some consumers,  people like to treat themselves to a new car. And, we here can help you.
Let us help you save more of your hard earned dollars when shopping for your next car. We can offer our customers Pre-Owned cars below Kelley Blue Book value.
We Accept Tax Refund Checks, H&R Block Debit Cards and Jackson Hewitt Debit Cards. Pick the car you want, leave a deposit and either finance the purchase or pay cash. Either way we do the bill of sale, title work and temp plates so you can drive home the same day. For Finance customers, we will register the car for you too (any state).
USED CARS FOR SALE

USED CARS FOR SALE in NJ:  www.NJStateAuto.com

TAX REFUND SALE - USED CARS FOR SALE

Used cars for sale

USED CARS FOR SALE in Jersey City, Newark, North Bergen, Bronx & Brooklyn

Search Cars By Price:

Before making any deals, ask the seller these questions.

8 questions to ask the dealer before buying a car

Buying your first used car can be intimidating, especially if you have no idea what you're doing. But don't worry, here's a compiled a list of questions to ask the dealer while you're car shopping. By expressing your concern, you can ensure you'll get the best deal and that the car you decide on is the safest and most efficient choice for you.

Don't be shy – the car seller should be willing to share every detail with you if he's planning on making the sale. Here are a few things you should know before saying yes to that car deal:

1. How many miles are on this car?
If the car's mileage is through the roof, it might be worth passing on. If the previous driver drove between 20,000 and 50,000 miles per year, Consumer Reports suggested asking why. The answer could be that they had a long morning commute, or it could be that they used the car for travel. Regardless of the reason, you deserve the honest answer before deciding if you want to buy a car that already on it's last stretch.

2. What are the key features?
The advertisement might've briefly described what the car's equipped with, but it's in your best interest to ask the dealer in person. If the ad said the vehicle had working air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power windows and cruise control, you can ask for proof. If the dealer reveals that one of those key features is missing, ask for a reduced price.

All of your questions need to be answered before making the deal.All of your questions need to be answered before making the deal.

3. Are all the fluids topped off?
Leaving the dealership in your new ride becomes a lot less exciting when the oil change sensor immediately pops up on the dashboard. Your new car should be completely ready to for you, which means the oil should be changed and the windshield washer fluid should be topped off before your purchase. You also deserve a full tank of gas as you leave the lot, so make sure to ask the dealer about that.

4. Has it driven through extreme weather?
Finding out if the car has driven through extreme weather is very important. If it has lived through harsh winter storms or exponential hot summers, Digital Trends said it's lifespan will significantly decrease. This could be a complete game changer if you're looking for a car that's going to last a few years.  

5. Are there any issues I should know about?
This is an important question because it gives the dealer a chance to make an great first impression. If he's honest and shares an issue the car has experienced in the past, you can appreciate his professionalism and think twice about making the purchase on that vehicle. Who knows, maybe he'll lower the price or throw in a deal so you can get the problem taking care of after you've made the purchase. Or, he could point you in the direction of a different car if you're still willing to work with him.

6. Can I take it for a test drive?
For some, this question might end up being the deal breaker. For starters, if the dealer denies your request, you need to leave immediately. If he does let you test drive the car, he's confident that the trip will go smoothly. If you take the vehicle for a ride and something doesn't seem right, just explain to the seller what's going on. A great care salesman will offer a solution. Maybe he'll cut you a deal, or simply help you find a different car on the lot.

Take the car for a test drive to determine how well it's running.Take the car for a test drive to determine how well it's running.

7. Has it ever been in an accident?
Even if the test drive is perfect, you need to know about the vehicle's accident history. When a car has been through an accident or two, it's more likely to have issues down the road, regardless of how it's running now. If the dealer shares the car history and it reveals a collision, it's probably in your best interest to continue searching.

8. Can you show me history reports?
This is a great follow-up question for the previous. If your dealer told you the car has never been in an accident, you deserve to see proof. A detailed report can show you the vehicle's complete history which can help you decide if the deal is truly worth it. Luckily, you can rest assured when you visit New Jersey Auto Auction in search of your first ride. Our lot is loaded with so many quality Carfax-certified vehicles to choose from. Come down today, we'd be happy to help you find a sweet ride and take it for a test drive!

There are a number of indicators that could signify an issue with your vehicle.

Your Car Needs Service – 10 Telltale Signs

Your Car Needs Service – 10 Telltale Signs

Finding out there’s something wrong with your car can be equally stressful and frustrating. But if you identify the problem early on, you can tackle it before it turns into an irreversible issue. Be on the lookout for these 10 signs, as they will signify that your vehicle needs immediate attention.

1. The check engine light is on
One of the key signs that something’s wrong with your ride is a glowing check engine light. It signifies there’s something wrong with one of the hundreds of systems in your car’s computer. It’s not necessarily a cause for panic, according to Angie’s List, but it’s a definite indicator that you should take your car in for an inspection.

2. There’s smoke coming from under the hood
If you’re driving and notice smoke coming from under the hood, it could be a sign that the engine is over-heated. This could destroy your car if you continue to drive and refuse to service it. Pay attention to the temperature gauge – if it seems too high, schedule an appointment for a maintenance check.

Pull over and open the hood to see if there's an obvious issue.Pull over and open the hood to see if there’s an obvious issue.

3. The transmission seems off kilter
When it seems like your car is having trouble speeding up, it feels shaky or it’s making strange noises, there could be an issue with the transmission. The transmission is essentially your car’s power system, so it needs proper maintenance. If you don’t take care it, you’ll find yourself stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow-truck to haul your car away.

4. There are major fluid leaks
Are there any major fluid puddles on the ground underneath your car when it’s parked? If so, it probably needs a tune-up. The leak could be coolant, transmission oil, engine oil or brake fluid, or it could also just be cold water dripping from the air conditioner. While the latter is normal, other fluid leaks could keep your car from running smoothly. Be sure to take it in to the mechanic as soon as you can.

5. There’s a strange noise while driving
If you hear strange noises while you’re driving, take your car to the shop. A dragging noise could be coming from your wheels, which could signify the wheel or differential bearing is failing. A grinding noise usually occurs when your brakes have gone bad, so you need to get them checked and replaced immediately.

“Failing to take care of the vibration could smoke the engine.”

6. The car is constantly shaking while in motion
A car that shakes while driving over poor road conditions is normal. But if you notice it’s vibrating on a smooth street with no obstructions, you need to take it in. DriverSide reported that it could indicate a number of issues, such as an unbalanced tire or a bad universal joint. Failing to take care of the vibration could smoke the engine or transmission, ultimately leaving you without a running car.

7. You’re stalling at intersections
Stalling at an intersection is dangerous. If your car is sluggish and not performing the way it was built to, it could be a sign that the spark plugs need replaced, the fuel filter is clogged, or something more severe in regard to the transmission. Schedule an appointment with the mechanic to take care of this problem before it turns into something serious.

8. It’s difficult to start it up
If it takes more than one turn of the key to get your car started every day, something’s wrong. It could just be a bad battery, but it might also be a defective starter that needs to be replaced. Regardless of the issue, it needs to be taken care of or you’ll be using public transportation to get around.

If your car isn't starting, it needs attention from a mechanic.If your car isn’t starting, it needs attention from a mechanic.

9. Your fuel mileage is bad
If you’ve noticed you’re filling your gas tank more often than normal – and you’re not using your car any more than usual – there’s an issue with your ride that needs to be taken care of. A sticking brake pad or improper tire pressure could be to blame, so take it to the shop for a check-up.

10. Shifting gears is rough
Driving an automatic car provides a smooth, reliable shift in gears. But if it seems less efficient than usual, causing your vehicle to hesitate or jolt between shifts, your transmission needs attention. Schedule an appointment  to change the transmission fuel, filters and screens.

If your car shows any of these signs, just bring it in to New Jersey Auto Auction. Our maintenance workers will help fine-tune your ride and take care of any issues. If you feel as though the damage is done and you need a new car, just head on over to our lot! We’ve got hundreds of quality used Carfax-certified vehicles to choose from.

If your car breaks down, you might need a few of these things.

15 items to have in your car at all times

Unfortunately, your car can break down at any given minute. You might not be able to predict when it's going to happen, but you can prepare for the worst with emergency roadside equipment.  Here are 15 items we recommend keeping in your vehicle at all times:

1. A charged cellphone
This item will most likely already be on you, but it's crucial to make sure it's always fully charged. Bankrate said it's the difference between getting help fast or waiting around for a car to drive by.

2. Reflective warning triangles
Having reflective warning triangles in your car is essential in the event of a breakdown. They will notify oncoming cars that your vehicle is parked, which can reduce the chance of an accident occurring. Edmunds also suggested you consider LED flares.

Reflective triangles will notify drivers to slow down.Reflective triangles will notify drivers to slow down.

3. First-aid kit
You can't predict medical emergencies. Keep a first-aid kit with bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, aspirin, antiseptic wipes and ointments in your car at all times in case someone gets hurt.

4. Fire extinguisher
Keeping a fire extinguisher in your car can tame a spark caused by an electrical problem.

5. Jumper cables
Accidently leaving your lights on is common. So is a battery dying on its own. Leave jumper cables in your car so a nearby vehicle can get your ride running again.

Prepare for a dead battery with jumper cables.Prepare for a dead battery with jumper cables.

6. Flashlight
Breaking down in the middle of nowhere at night isn't fun. Keep a flashlight in your glove compartment, along with extra batteries in case they die.

7. A multipurpose knife
A standard multipurpose knife will come with a bottle opener, a flathead screw driver, a wire cutter, rescue blade and glass breaker, which can all be helpful if any issue arises. 

8. A poncho
Your car breaks down, you're checking under the hood for an issue, and it suddenly starts pouring. What do you do? Reach in your emergency kit for your rain poncho.

"Keep protein bars in your car."

9. Nonperishable snacks
It might be hours before a tow truck gets to you. Prepare your stomach for the wait with high-protein nonperishable snacks like mixed nuts and protein bars.

10. Water
Along with snacks, keeping bottled water in your car in case of an emergency is crucial.

11. Cat litter
Cat littler? You read that correctly. You can use it as a replacement for sand – it weighs less – to create traction beneath the tires if you get stuck.

12. An emergency radio
The Department of Homeland Security suggested leaving a battery-powered or hand crank radio in the car to listen for weather warnings if you vehicle's radio or cell phone stops working.

13. Walking shoes
If your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you have no cellphone reception and you haven't seen a passing car in hours, you'll have to start walking to find help. Keep comfortable walking shoes in your car in case this happens.

If you haven't seen a car in hours, you'll need to start walking to find help.If you haven't seen a car in hours, you'll need to start walking to find help.

14. A tool kit
A tool kit with a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, vise grips, an adjustable wrench and a pair of pliers will come in handy if you break down and can fix things on your own.

15. A fleece blanket
A fleece blanket will keep you warm in the event that your car breaks down during a snow storm.

Once you've packed up your homemade roadside safety kit, consider bringing your car down to New Jersey Auto Auction. Our maintenance technicians can make sure your car is working properly so you're less likely to break down.

Prepare your car for the winter weather with these tips.

How to winterize your car

Fall’s officially in full swing, which means the winter weather will be here before you know it. Instead of waiting until the last minute to prepare your car, you may want to winterize it in advance. You can avoid breaking down on the side of the road and kicking yourself for not getting it ready while the temperatures are still decent.

Here are 12 maintenance tasks you must take care of before the cold rolls in:

1. Get the oil changed
You know that getting your oil changed every three months is important. But during the winter, The San Diego Department of Motor Vehicles said you need to consider switching to a thinner oil. This is especially important if you live somewhere that reaches temperatures below freezing.

2. Check the engine coolant
Engine coolant keeps your car from overheating, but it and also protects your engine against corrosion during the winter. Most cars follow a 60 percent coolant to 40 percent water ratio when the temperatures drop, so consult your technician about making the adjustment.

Your technician can top off your engine coolant before winter.Your technician can top off your engine coolant before winter.

3. Evaluate your battery
Did you know that extreme temperatures can reduce your car’s battery power by 50 percent? Edmunds suggested taking your car in and having the battery tested if it’s over three years old. A technician may recommend investing in a new one.

4. Top off your windshield washer fluid
The weather conditions will work against your windshield in the winter. Between the snow, sleet and salt build up, you’ll want to make sure you can always see clearly during your commute. Keeping your windshield washer fluid topped off will ensure clear vision. It’s also suggested to mix the solution with de-icer to avoid the moisture freezing up while you drive.

5. Invest in new windshield wipers
Topping off your windshield washer fluid is very important, but so is investing in new wipers. If the rubber on your blades is cracked, dried or ripped, it’s time to grab a new pair. Winter wipers are a great option – they provide more strength to tough it through inclement weather.

A pair of winter windshield wipers can help you cut through the built-up snow.A pair of winter windshield wipers can help you cut through the built-up snow.

6. Consider snow tires
If you’re worried that your car won’t drive well on slippery roads, it might be time to purchase new tires. According to Consumer Reports, replacing all-season tires with winter ones is a worthy investment because they’re designed with rubber compounds and tread patterns to drive successfully on slick roads.

Just remember: It’s very important to switch back to your all-season tires once the season is over. Winter tires are not designed to withstand warm temperatures.

7. Get your brakes checked
This may seem like an obvious task, but it’s worth the mention. Having your breaks checked before the winter is one of the most important safety precautions you can take to avoid sliding and colliding into other cars.

“Take your car in for a professional wash and fresh coat of wax.”

8. Protect the car’s paint
Unfortunately, the dirt and salt can accumulate on your car and damage the paint’s finish. To protect it, take your vehicle in for a professional wash and fresh coat of wax.

9. Prevent a freeze-up
With rain, sleet and snow coming your way, your car is going to retain a lot of moisture. Ultimately, it can get into the door locks and freeze up, locking you out of the car. This is not the ideal situation, but don’t panic. You can prepare in advance by lubricating your locks with silicone spray designed for cars.

10. Review your manual all-wheel drive
It’s likely that you haven’t used your all-wheel or four-wheel drive since last winter. That means you have no idea if it’s running smoothly. Instead of waiting to find out during your drive through the first snow of the season, take your car in and have the function reviewed.

11. Check your heating system
Just like your all-wheel drive, you probably haven’t used the heating system in a while. What if it broke down over the summer? Just turn it on and make sure it’s ready to keep you warm all winter. If you notice an issue, take it in to the shop.

Make sure your heating system works so you can drive comfortably in the winter.Make sure your heating system works so you can drive comfortably in the winter.

12. Pack an emergency kit
Even after performing all of these maintenance services, there’s still a chance you could break down on the side of the road. To prepare for an emergency, be sure to keep a roadside kit in your vehicle at all times. You can find a pre-assembled kit at most auto shops and some supermarkets, but you can make you own with the follow items:

  • A flashlight.
  • First aid-kit.
  • Jumper cables.
  • Flares.
  • A blanket, hats and gloves.
  • Extra windshield washer fluid.
  • Non-perishable food and extra water.

You’ll thank yourself later for packing this kit in your car before the snow rolls in.

Take your car in for a tune-up
Don’t worry about taking care of these maintenance services yourself. Just bring your car down to New Jersey Auto Auction! Our technicians will make sure all of these tasks are completed so you can drive safely all winter long.

The Benefits of Maintaining Proper Air Pressure

benefits of proper tire air pressure

Keeping the correct air pressure in the tires of your car, truck, SUV or crossover will help your tires last longer, save fuel, help your vehicle handle better, prevent accidents and even help the environment!

The Benefits of Correct Air Pressure

Experts agree that maintaining the correct air pressure in your tires is nearly as important as getting a tune-up for your engine.  Negative effects of underinflated tires results in poor gas mileage, shorter tire life and poor vehicle handling.

Make Air Pressure Checks Part of Your Maintenance Routine

Tires often get taken for granted since they don’t seem to need much attention. But, did you know that tires lose pressure each day?  In cool weather, a tire typically loses one or two pounds of air per month and in warmer weather, tires will lose air pressure at an even higher rate. Other factors cause a loss of tire pressure as well.

Check the Air Pressure On A Regular Basis

You should have the air pressure checked every other time you get gas or the tires are rotated. Also remember it’s important to have the pressure in your spare tire checked every few months.

Where To Find Air Pressure Information

The correct air pressure can be found in the vehicle owner’s manual or on the tire information label that is attached to the vehicle door edge, doorpost, glove box door or fuel door.

Environmental Impact

Routine air pressure maintenance can have a significant impact on our environment. Experts estimate that most drivers lose from 10% to as much as 50% of tire tread life due to underinflation. This means more tires ending up in our landfills. Underinflated tires burn extra fuel since they require extra energy to roll down the road.

Your vehicle may be due for an air pressure check.  Stop by our Jersey City dealership for a fast and free air pressure check.  Your #NewJerseyStateAutoAuction service team is here for you!  We want you to stay safe on the road.  Visit our website at www.njstateauto.com for more details.

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

The Importance of Researching Your Vehicle

shutterstock_251529133

When purchasing a pre-owned car, knowing what you are getting is something that is important to many buyers. Knowing the history of your pre-owned vehicle gives drivers peace of mind when making this new investment. Dealerships, like New Jersey State Auto Auction, offer services that give you a complete report on the vehicle you are purchasing.

 

Buyers deserve to know what they are about to spend their hard earned money on and are entitled to a history of the pre-owned vehicle. CARFAX reports are a great way to learn more about the car you are about to buy. Some dealerships offer free reports to customers, providing them a detailed report on their future investment. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports use the car’s vehicle identification number located on the car to gather the unique information and compile it into a thorough report. These reports can influence the final decision of any buyer. These reports can show things like inspection results, service records and accident history. Though every vehicle is thoroughly inspected, the CARFAX report is an added benefit to customers.

 

Knowing all the information you can about your future pre-owned vehicle can save you in the long run. Research like the CARFAX report is an great step. If you are interested in looking at a pre-owned vehicle, visit New Jersey State Auto Auction. For more information about our services and our current stock, check out our website!

 

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

Don’t Forget the Details

shutterstock_145140499

When buying a car, people can get distracted by the thrill of the purchase or excitement over certain features in their new car. It is important to remember that buying a car comes with lots of paperwork. It is helpful to know what you will need and what to look for when buying your vehicle.

Most dealerships take care of all of the paperwork for their customers, but it is always good to know what you should expect. Each state has different paperwork involved, so knowing what to look for, especially if you have recently moved or are buying a car out of state, is crucial. To purchase a vehicle in New Jersey, paperwork you should receive from the dealership will include a bill of sale, the title for the vehicle and an odometer reading statement. These documents will be needed for you to register your car at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s office. Once the car is registered and the fees are paid, you will get new license plates.

The most important document you should look for when purchasing your vehicle is the title. There will be sections that will need to be filled out by both you and the dealership. It will contain information like the price and date of sale, the odometer reading and all of your information.

Learning about the process of purchasing a car is helpful and can save you a lot of time. Dealerships, like New Jersey State Auto Auction, can answer any questions you might have when you are purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. If you are interested in learning more about the services at the New Jersey State Auto Auction, visit our offices or check us out online! We would love to help you find your next pre-owned vehicle.

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com